Back to Bento

I've been trying to get the time to really do some bento again, and I finally did it (after hours of perusing Pinterest in search of inspiration). I used some leftovers to create a similar version of the meatballs and couscous I have posted about perviously.

I had these huge chicken meatballs I made, and some tomato sauce with baby king oyster mushrooms. I made some couscous with chicken stock and garlic and added a little sakura blossom made of cheese (and a few sesame seeds).

This bento is pretty simple, but hopefully I will have more frequent and bento related posts!

That's all for now! Until next time, Happy Munching!

Chow Mien

Recently, I was inspired to make chow mien! I picked up some fresh noodles, mini corn, mushrooms, broccoli, and beef as well as a sauce mix.  I followed the directions for the noodles (boil briefly and then pan fry lightly) and on the sauce. Everything came together quite nicely and was a bit different than my usual stir fry! It's great to try something new!

Until next time, Happy Munching!

Leftover Turkey Stew

After making turkey dinner, I salvaged the leftover turkey and carcass to make turkey stew. I put the carcass in a large pot and covered it with water. I let it boil for about 4 hours (checking on it periodically and adding more water if needed). I then strained all the liquid into containers, let them cool and refrigerated them.

The next day, I poured the stock into the crock pot and added chopped turkey, celery, onion, turnip, carrot and potato. I also added a bit of barley and some spices. I let it cook on high all day.

By supper time, it was an amazing stew with lots of flavour. It was also my first time using barley, I really liked it and I will be using it again in the future!

Until next time, Happy munching!

Apple Pie Time

Thanksgiving is a busy time of year, and I made some of my delicious apple pies!

This year, I bought some cute cutters to make them prettier.

The first pie I made, I used the leaf cutter. Sadly part of the crust broke, but it still looked pretty good.

The second time I was more cautious and I used the apple cutter.


Here is without the inserts:

Here is with the inserts:

Happy Thanksgiving!

Until next time, happy munching!

BBQ Fajita

A long time favourite meal of mine is fajita. This meal can really be enjoyed any time of year... but it is is especially great during the summer, with the beautiful weather and local food. We love to do as much outdoor cooking as possible.

The first important step here is to make the pico de gallo in advance so the flavours have time to develop. This time, I made it with yellow, green and red heirloom tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice,  and sriracha for spice.

 Next, we throw the meat (which has been marinated) on the barbecue (chicken and pork today), along with the wok full of vegetables (peppers, mushrooms and onions).

Once everything is cooked up, we serve it with some additional fixings (guacamole, rice and sour cream) and some warm tortillas.

Everyone has fun assembling their own fajita! 

Until next time, Happy Munching!

You say potato, I say potato

I just want to share with you all these potatoes that I have fallen in love with....

With the nice weather, I like to cook them up in my wok on the grill...

First, you have to cook the potatoes (I usually boil or steam them), then you cut up some smoked boar bacon into cubes (you could use any thick cut bacon really, but the boar bacon really does make it something special) and some minced onions. Sauté the bacon and the onions in the pan and then when the bacon is nice and caramelized and the onions cooked, throw in the potatoes and toss them together and add seasoning.

Give it a try sometime! I hope you like it! 

Until next time, Happy Munching!

Paramount Perogies

 I love perogies, and in the past, I always just ate them in a very ordinary way, boiled and then pan fried... but not that long ago, I developed a new way that I like to eat perogies and I have captured it to share with you.

Essentially, I like to make a sort of stew with mushrooms, onions and diced canned tomatoes. In today's example, I added some slices of flank steak to the stew. I boil my perogies until cooked and then toss them in a pan with butter, garlic and lemon pepper (as usual) and then serve it up with the stew on the bottom, perogies on top and today with a bit of sprouts. I also like to eat them with sour cream (or plain greek yogurt).

This is a really simple way to change things up and make a more balanced meal out of it!

That's all for today! Until next time, Happy Munching!